The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are searching for their third starting running back after rookie Mike James fractured his ankle last night. The contenders: seventh-year veteran Brian Leonard and former undrafted free agent Bobby Rainey.

Both players had their moments in relief of James against the Dolphins last night, but Leonard emerged as the workhorse with a team-high 20 carries. Does that make him worth owning in fantasy football leagues?

Overview: One of two candidates to start for the Bucs in the absence of injured starters Doug Martin (shoulder) and Mike James (ankle).

Background: A second-round pick of the St. Louis Rams in the 2007 NFL draft. … is with his third NFL team, playing part-time roles with the Rams and Bengals over the last six seasons. … stands at 6-1 and 225 pounds and has played a "hybrid" fullback/halfback role, as well as a more traditional fullback. … has 203 career carries for 736 yards in seven seasons. … is more of a third-down back who can block and catch passes out of the backfield.

2013 stats: 29 carries, 90 yards, 0 TDs; 18 rec., 140 yards, 1 TD

Numbers and trends: Has 203 carries, but has yet to score a touchdown on the ground. … his lone NFL touchdown came on a reception for the Bengals in 2010. … has 131 career catches in seven seasons, highlighted by a a pair of 30-reception campaigns in 2007 and '09. … has 12 receptions in the last three weeks, taking a more active role when Martin was placed on IR with a shoulder injury.

Strengths: Size and experience are points in his favor as he competes with Bobby Rainey for touches. … is a quality receiver who could see more action than ever in the passing game. … among active Buccaneers, has the third-most catches this season (18), trailing only Vincent Jackson and Timothy Wright. … got the lion's share of carries (20) on Monday night after James exited in the first quarter.

Risk factors: Has never looked anything more than ordinary in playing part-time roles everywhere he's gone. … between his size and career touches, it's alarming that he's still never scored a rushing touchdown. … Rainey has more upside and could very well relegate Leonard to a third-down role, which is, frankly, where he belongs.

ESPN ownership: 0.2 percent.

Verdict: Could be worth a flier in the event he wins the starting job; there's value in starting, albeit very little in Leonard's case.